Graphite
Image: Photographer: Henk Caspers/Naturalis (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameGraphite
Chemical FormulaC
Mohs Hardness1
Crystal Systemhexagonal
Lustermetallic
Streak Colorblack to dark gray
Cleavageperfect basal (one direction)
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity2.23
Colorsblack, dark gray, silvery gray
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityWorldwide (e.g., Sri Lanka, China, Brazil, Canada)
Mineral GroupNative elements
Usespencils, lubricants, refractories, batteries, electrodes
Associated Mineralsquartz, mica, feldspar, calcite
Raritycommon
Description
This image displays a large, dark gray to black mass of graphite, exhibiting a somewhat metallic to dull luster and a rough, flaky surface texture.
Geological Context
Graphite forms under high temperature and pressure conditions during the metamorphism of carbon-rich sedimentary rocks or from the crystallization of carbon in igneous rocks. It is also found in hydrothermal veins.
